China defended Thursday its purchase of iron ore from North Korea following criticism by U.S. President Donald Trump and said it is "strictly and earnestly" complying with U.N. sanctions. Chinese purchases of North Korea iron ore rose 34 percent from a year earlier in the first five months of the year, according to a South Korean industry group, the Korea International Trade Association. Iron ore is among China's biggest imports from the North after it stopped buying coal this year due to the sanctions. "We hope all relevant sides can make sure that they are clear that Security Council sanctions imposed on North Korea are not comprehensive economic sanctions." He said Chinese imports from the North fell 36.5 percent in March, 41.6 percent in April and 31.6 percent in May.

Source: ABC News July 13, 2017 09:48 UTC